The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol for freedom given to the United States on October 28, 1886 as a gift from the people of France. The statue was designed by Frederick Bartholdi, a French sculptor, and framed by Gustave Eiffel, the same gentleman who designed the Eiffel Tower. Today, the statue is visited by millions of people a year and continues to remain an icon for freedom as well as a welcoming symbol to immigrants arriving to America.

Did you know?

• The statue has an iron infrastructure and a copper exterior which has turned green over time due to oxidation.
• Lady Liberty wears a size 879 shoe and a 35ft waistline.
• The seven spikes on Lady Liberty’s crown represent the seven continents and oceans of the world.
• 300 different hammers were used to create the copper structure.
• The Statue celebrated its 130th birthday on October 28, 2016.

Ellis Island, also known as the ‘Island of Hope and Tears’, was the largest gateway for millions of immigrants looking for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. Ellis Island was once America’s busiest immigration station that operated for over 62 years (1892 until 1954) and saw millions of people from around the world. Today, Ellis Island Immigration Museum Wall of Honor hosts 700,000 names inscribed on the wall of many who once passed through the island. Million of visitors travel to the island by Statue City Cruises to explore one of America’s greatest historical sites.

Did you know?

• It has been estimated that close to 40% of all current US citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island.
• The first person admitted to the Ellis Island Immigration Station was Annie Moore on January 1, 1892.
• Many famous figures passed through Ellis Island such as Bob Hope, Max Factor, Sigmund Freud and Charlie Chaplin.
• Ellis Island was a Coast Guard training facility during WW2.
• For just 30 cents, an immigrant could purchase bread, cheese, sausage and lemonade at the concession stand on the island.